History will mean nothing at kick-off – McCaw

McCaw’s men kick off the seventh Rugby World Cup as red-hot favourites to lift a trophy they last won in 1987.

Tonga are first on the agenda in Auckland, where New Zealand hold an imperious Test record. It is also the venue for their probable Pool A decider against France on September 24.

Assessing the World Cup challenge, captain McCaw said: “It is a stage where everyone is at their peak, and you have got to be if you want success.

“That is what motivates me – to test yourself in the toughest environment. And, when you do that and succeed, that is when you can be satisfied.

“A World Cup is the biggest stage, and you want to prove yourself.”

New Zealand arrive at the World Cup following successive Tri-Nations defeats against South Africa and Australia, but McCaw added: “History has shown that what has happened previously – good or bad – means nothing come kick-off.”

Although Tonga are rank outsiders to threaten New Zealand today, an All Blacks team containing the likes of McCaw, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and exciting new full-back Israel Dagg knows there is a job to be done.

“There is no complacency in this group,” said All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith.

“We are very aware of what they (Tonga) pose. They have got some of the biggest runners in world rugby. You don’t want a soft pool, and we haven’t got one.

“I think they will test us physically and they will test us with their athleticism. They are all good rugby players.”

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has urged his side to hit the ground running in the World Cup Pool B opener with Romania in Invercargill tomorrow.

Robinson yesterday named a near full-strength side for the match at Rugby Park Stadium, with Chris Paterson to start at full-back, becoming the first Scot to appear in four World Cups.

Scotland landed in Invercargill on Wednesday following 10 days on the Gold Coast. Robinson said: “We wanted to come in and really hit the ground running when we arrived and have game focus.”

Ireland have ruled Cian Healy out of their opener against the United States in New Plymouth on Sunday.